In a concerted effort to reduce the alarming rate of teenage pregnancy, HIV prevalence and other sexually transmitted illnesses among young people, the Limpopo Health MEC Dikeledi Magadzi in partnership with the University of Venda will on Friday, 17 February conduct a massive HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) Campaign as part of the STI/Condom week and pregnancy awareness week.
The campaign which will be preceded by a healthy walk led by Dikeledi Magadzi and university management is expected to draw the attention of at least 1 000 university student community as the Student Representative Assembly is fully behind the initiative.
"If we are serious about building a Long and Healthy life for all, we need to reach out to young people including those who are at tertiary institutions as they are also vulnerable to HIV and AIDS and related sexually transmitted illnesses with young girls falling pregnant at an alarming rate", Magadzi said.
The Limpopo Health department will during the event deploy mobile clinics with health professionals on site to conduct health checks to the university community. Services to be rendered include but not limited to HIV Counselling and Testing; TB Screening; Testing for Blood pressure, cholesterol and so forth.
MEC Magadzi is expected to deliver a keynote speech and it is believed that she will also address issues of family planning and to encourage young women to take their reproductive health serious and not get tempted to use abortion "as a form of contraception".
Media is invited.
Details are as follows:
Date: 17 February 2011
Time: 11h00
Venue: University of Venda, School of Law Parking area.
Enquiries:
Joe Maila (Spokesperson)
Cell: 082 887 3581
Plans to reduce teenage pregnancy, HIV and AIDS at tertiary institutions intensified
Province
